Some horological accomplishments and ties are more remembered—and discussed—than others; think the Omega Speedmaster being the first watch on the moon, TAG Heuer’s inextricable link to motorsports, and Rolex reaching the depths of the Mariana Trench. One such tie that’s gone relatively unnoticed? Glashütte Original’s pioneering work in the marine chronometer space.
You’ll also enjoy:
The Glashütte Original Sixties Small Seconds Finds Sophistication In Subtlety
The Minimalist Breguet Classique 7637 Lets The Minutes Do The Talking
The Audemars Piguet x 1017 ALYX 9SM Royal Oak Is The It Watch Of The Year
In 1886, the development of Germany’s first marine chronometer put the town of Glashütte on the map. During the 19th and 20th centuries, the German manufacture continued to spearhead the category, which was used for navigation on the high seas.
The latest release from Glashütte Original looks to its history, while remaining firmly planted in the modern day. Adopting the classic design principles of its predecessors—as well as a strictly controlled 15-day test run to guarantee high performance standards—the new Senator Chronometer combines mechanical excellence with undeniable elegance.
Crafted from white gold, the 42mm case features polished and satin-brushed finishes. A silver-plated gralvanised grey dial plays host to applied Roman numerals, polished hands, and a minutes track — each in a complementary shade of blue. A balanced dial layout features a slightly recessed subdial at 6 o’clock which showcases the small seconds, while the manufacture’s signature Panorama Date appears at 3 o’clock. At 12 o’clock, there’s a running-time display and a day and night indicator.
The Glashütte Original Senator Chronometer is powered by the in-house calibre 58-08, a manually-wound movement that operates at a frequency of 28,800 half-oscillations per hour and has a power reserve of 44 hours. Decorated with screw-mounted gold chatons, a hand-engraved balance cock, and the manufacture’s signature three-quarter plate, it’s visible through the sapphire crystal caseback. Better keep it above deck though; it’s only water resistant to 50 metres.
The Senator Chronometer is priced at $48,500AUD and is available via the Glashütte Original webstore.
Words by Theo Rosen